Macro
Global economic calendar: Key events for Aug 27, 2026
Earnings season continues with German, French and U.S. companies reporting quarterly figures while central bank data and labor indicators take center stage in Europe and the U.S.
UBS-CFA indicator rises but uncertainty over Swiss economy grows
Swiss economic sentiment improves for second month, yet expectations diverge sharply; U.S. outlook darkens while SNB seen holding rates at zero. Euro seen above 0.90 CHF with 79% probability.
Swiss analyst confidence rises for second straight month: UBS CFA survey
The UBS CFA Indicator climbed 2.1 points to +12.1 in August, marking the second consecutive positive reading since geopolitical tensions flared. Analysts remain split on Swiss growth, while SNB rate expectations stay anchored near zero through mid-2027.
Swiss real estate risk index falls to lowest in three years, Moneypark says
Moneypark's Real Estate Risk Index dropped to 3.5 points in Q2 2026, driven by stronger PMI, low SNB rates and a slowdown in real price growth, though unemployment and migration weakness remain risks.
Brazil sets 2027 minimum wage at R$1,741, budget bill on track
The federal government has finalized the minimum wage for 2027 at R$1,741, with the 2027 budget bill set for submission by August 31. Adjustments comply with legal inflation and GDP-linked formulas.
UK growth outlook steady despite inflation uptick, Barclays says
Flash PMI data signals resilient activity in August, but inflation pressures and fiscal slippage weigh on outlook. Barclays lifts 2027 inflation forecast.
Germany’s manufacturing PMI hits 51-month high in August flash data
Factory activity in Germany surged to its strongest level since mid-2022, offsetting a fifth straight monthly decline in services as the economy shows uneven momentum.
U.S. economic data due Monday: Chicago Fed index, Treasury bill auctions
Chicago Fed activity gauge and $50 billion in 3- and 6-month Treasury bill sales headline Monday’s U.S. data slate. Previous readings show modest contraction and steady yields.
Eurozone consumer confidence improves unexpectedly in August
Eurozone consumer sentiment rose 0.4 points to -15.5 in August, defying forecasts for a slight decline to -16.0, as EU data shows gradual recovery from March-April lows.
U.S. national debt surpasses $40 trillion for first time
Total public debt reaches $40.047 trillion as borrowing accelerates under Trump and Biden administrations amid rising deficits and Treasury bond yields.
U.S. judge blocks visa suspension for applicants from 75 countries
Federal judge rules State Department exceeded authority in barring immigrant visas based on nationality. Policy covered Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia.
Global economic calendar for Aug 21, 2026: PMI, retail sales and business surveys
Key economic releases include S&P Global PMIs for the euro zone, U.S. and U.K., plus German retail sales and French business sentiment. Borussia Dortmund reports preliminary FY25/26 figures.
U.S. national debt tops $40 trillion as servicing costs near $1.4 trillion
Crossing the $40 trillion mark, the U.S. faces rising debt servicing expenses and elevated Treasury yields, with projections pointing to $50 trillion by 2029. Market intervention has done little to curb structural pressures.
U.S. debt tops $40 trillion as Fed minutes, Iran tensions lift markets
Fed minutes show dissent on rates as U.S. debt surpasses $40 trillion; Brent crude rises on geopolitical risks while Walmart's ad unit growth supports retail shares.
Global economic calendar: August 20, 2026 — earnings, inflation and central bank updates
AEGON, Alibaba and Walmart among companies reporting quarterly results; Germany releases producer prices and trade data alongside Sweden’s Riksbank rate decision.
Germany’s August PMI shows manufacturing rebound, services slowdown
Flash PMI data points to a two-month low for the composite index at 51.0, with manufacturing output surging to a 51-month high of 54.1, while services activity contracted for a fifth straight month.
Swiss poll shows 12-point lead for rejection of neutrality initiative
Survey by gfs.bern for SRG finds 54% opposed to neutrality proposal, with strongest support from SVP voters. Regional and demographic divides highlighted.
Swiss borrowers overpay by CHF 18,000/year on long-term mortgages
Households refinancing into decade-long fixed-rate loans during 2023’s brief high-rate window now face annual overpayments of up to CHF 18,000 versus Saron-linked or short-term options, data shows.
U.S. debt surpasses $40 trillion for first time
Total public debt hits $40.047 trillion as Treasury ramps up long-dated bond buybacks to ease yields amid rising term premiums.
Latin America growth seen slowing to 2.2% in 2026: UN agency
ECLAC revises down 2026 GDP forecast to 2.2% from 2.3%, citing a more challenging global backdrop. Region expected to log five straight years of ~2.3% average expansion by 2027.
Extreme weather costs Europe billions as droughts and heatwaves strain economies
Record temperatures and low water levels disrupt shipping, power generation and agriculture, with Allianz estimating a 0.3 percentage point hit to euro zone GDP this year. Southern Europe faces prolonged growth losses and fiscal strain.
IMF hails Lebanon bank law changes as ‘major step’ amid crisis
Parliament passes amendments to bank resolution framework, meeting 99% of IMF demands, but president’s approval and Constitutional Council review still pending.
G7 government debt pressures mount as borrowing costs surge
U.S. debt tops $40 trillion while Japanese and German yields hit multi-decade highs. OECD interest payments overtake defense spending.
Brazil's fiscal reforms face 'painful final mile', says minister
Brazil's economy chief warns of difficult negotiations ahead as fiscal reforms near completion, citing resistance to spending cuts and tax adjustments.